As expected after Rob Blake’s moves on Tuesday, where he opened up some cap space for the Los Angeles Kings, defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov has been re-signed for two more years.
Gavrikov came over from the Columbus Blue Jackets via trade on March 1, 2023, along with goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. Gavrikov appeared to fit seamlessly into the Kings lineup, solving the long-time need for a trustworthy left defenseman.
Gavrikov’s new deal carries a $5.875M cap hit, the bulk of which is paid in signing bonuses rather than actual salary. He also has a full no-movement clause in both years of his contract. He will be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Vladislav Gavrikov #GoKingsGo
$5.875M x 2 year extensionConfirmed Breakdown:
$775k base + $5.725M SB
$775k base + $4.475M SB
(Max signing bonuses)Full NMC in both years
Rep'd by Dan Milstein @HockeyAgent1 of Gold Star Hockeyhttps://t.co/ymOLThTq0N
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) June 7, 2023
Gavrikov recorded three goals and six assists in 20 regular seasons games with the Kings, and one assist over six playoff games. Of course, offense isn’t why the Kings acquired Gavrikov, or why they’re keeping him for the next two years. Gavrikov has solid defensive awareness and is a player who is rarely out of position. On a team where sometimes it feels like no one is where they should be on the ice, Gavrikov’s positional soundness has been notable.
Despite playing only six playoff games together, Gavrikov and Matt Roy are still in the top ten postseason pairings in terms of lowest goals against. If Gavrikov and Roy remain a pairing in the 2023-24 season, I would expect them to continue to grow together to be able to replicate that success.
Playoff defensive pairings with the lowest goals against per time played together. (Minimum 100 minutes 5 on 5) https://t.co/3qd1ufVXHS pic.twitter.com/pwNivrX3YM
— MoneyPuck.com (@MoneyPuckdotcom) June 1, 2023
Gavrikov reportedly wanted a long-term deal in Columbus, which the Blue Jackets weren’t interested in extending. Gavrikov also initially seemed set on testing free agency rather than re-signing with the Kings right away, but clearly this deal changed his mind. Gavrikov’s contract with the Kings ends at a time where the salary cap is anticipated to go up. He’ll be 30 years old at that time and would likely be looking for a lengthy deal to potentially close out his career.